CUPE 4070 Newsletter - July 2024
July's Content:
AMFA Strike
CrewView Rest Calculations
Reassignment to Higher Classification MOA Reminder
Hotel Location Language Collective Agreement
Emailing Union Officers
Crew Scheduling Calls Reminder
Fairness for Flight Attendants Act (Bill C-409 Proposal)
Education Committee Update
Day Off Requests
Cooperators Insurance Discount
Share Your Story
Save the Dates
Galley Gossip
AMFA Strike:
The recent AMFA strike presented operational challenges impacting many of our members. We recognize the frustration and inconvenience this caused, especially for those who had pairings extended or experienced difficulties contacting the company.
We want to recognize the Company's quick response when implementing the Crew Travel Request Form to ensure members were booked on alternate carriers to return home, as well as the timely updates from Diederik and Robert, at times on an hourly basis.
As we transition back to normal operations, Opentime may have a number of available pairings. We encourage all members who are able to operate to consider picking up trips through Flica. Opentime pairings are paid at Overtime (time and half).
We appreciate your professionalism and unwavering dedication during this time.
CrewView Rest Calculations:
We have been made aware of an issue with rest calculations on the CrewView app. Rest is being calculated and reflected on the app as including transportation time from the hotel to the airport, leading to an incorrect display of rest time (Release Time to Report Time). We have escalated this with the Employer, and they are working on a resolve to ensure the rest times are accurately displayed.
Reassignment to a Higher Classification MOA Reminder:
Recently, there have been more inquiries regarding the reassignment of a Cabin Crew Member to the Cabin Manager position during a pairing. The following language was ratified by the Membership in April 2024 in a Memorandum of Agreement, which amended the language from “assigned” to “offered” when there are more junior Cabin Personnel on the operating crew.
WS CA Article 34-18.04 “Reassignment to a higher classification shall be offered in seniority order among the Cabin Crew Members assigned to that flight(s). The more senior Cabin Personnel will have the right to decline the reassignment, provided a more junior Cabin Personnel is available among the Cabin Crew Members assigned to that flight(s). The most junior Cabin Crew Member must accept the reassignment if all of the senior Cabin Crew Members have declined the reassignment.”
Hotel Location Language in the Collective Agreement:
We have had several crew members reach out requesting clarification on the Hotels language in the Collective Agreement. Based on the language in sections 37-6.01 and 37-6.02, there are specific conditions under which a crew member may not be placed in a downtown hotel:
Driving Time Limitation (37-6.01)
The hotel's location must be within a maximum of twenty (20) minutes' driving time from the airport of the planned overnight stay.
If a suitable hotel within this 20-minute driving time limit cannot be found, or if the Company and the Union do not mutually agree on a different location, a downtown hotel may not be an option.
Layover Duration and Distance (37-6.02)
For layovers scheduled for eighteen (18) hours or more, the hotel should be in the downtown core of the principal city served by the airport.
However, this is contingent upon the downtown hotel being within a normal thirty (30) minute drive (one-way) from the arrival airport.
If no suitable downtown hotel is available within this 30-minute drive limit, or if the Company and the Union do not agree on an alternative location, the crew member may not be placed in a downtown hotel.
A crew member may not be placed in a downtown hotel if either the driving time from the airport to the hotel exceeds the specified limits (20 minutes for general stays and 30 minutes for extended layovers) or if the Company and the Union do not reach an agreement on an alternative location.
Additionally, during an IROP where hotel changes occur, the downtown requirement on extended layovers (over 18 hours) does not apply. For example, if you were originally on a short layover and were extended due to cancellations, the Company is not required to rebook you as downtown hotels are only for planned overnights exceeding 18 hours.
Emailing Union Officers on their Company Email accounts:
When communicating with the Union, please use your personal email and avoid using your company email. Additionally, please refrain from emailing the Union Officers to their company email addresses, as these accounts are dedicated to our work as Cabin Crew. To contact your representative, use the contact form on the website.
Crew Scheduling Calls Reminder:
We have seen an increase in calls to Crew Scheduling being flagged for alleged violations of the Code of Business Conduct and Workplace Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy. Please ensure that when you are speaking with Crew Scheduling (and all other departments) that these policies are adhered to. Also be mindful that the calls, even when on hold are recorded.
Fairness for Flight Attendants Act: Bill C-409 Proposed by the Conservative Party:
The Fairness for Flight Attendants Act, recently introduced into Parliament, is a landmark bill that aims to improve the working conditions and compensation for flight attendants across Canada. The Act proposes several key amendments to the Canada Labour Code that would directly benefit flight attendants. Here are the key changes:
Compensation for All Work Hours: Under the proposed legislation, all hours on duty would be included in the calculation of pay. This includes pre-flight and post-flight duties. It also encompasses pay for mandatory training programs and time spent on duty during flight delays, regardless of the reason for the delay.
Clearer Regulations: The Act aims to eliminate any ambiguity in the Canada Labour Code regarding the calculation of flight attendant work hours. This will ensure consistent and fair compensation practices across the airline industry.
As you know, we are not compensated for many essential duties performed outside of our block time. This leads to significant unpaid hours, impacting both financial well-being and the ability to provide optimal service to guests. The Fairness for Flight Attendants Act seeks to address this inequity by ensuring that all work we perform is recognized and compensated accordingly.
CUPE is encouraged to see the bill brought forward, however it is disappointing that the bill was drafted and tabled without consultation with flight attendants or their union. Regardless, we encourage all members to stay informed about the Act's progress and to reach out to their Members of Parliament through the unpaid work won't fly campaign to express their support. We believe that this legislation is a crucial step towards achieving fair and equitable working conditions for all flight attendants.
The Fairness for Flight Attendants Act is currently under consideration in Parliament. We will continue to provide updates on the Act's progress and opportunities for you to get involved. Follow the links below for resources on this proposed bill:
Education Committee Update:
My name is Tony Penton, and I'm your Education Committee member for WS mainline. I'm excited to connect with you and share some valuable resources.
A Bit About Me:
Before joining WestJet, I worked at SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) instructing students in hospitality and tourism. I also managed the Highwood dining room and supervised bartending students. My background combines education, business, and a passion for culinary arts (including a cooking diploma!). Currently, I'm based and live in YEG with my dog Hunter, who hates when I leave so I always bring her back a treat from my travels!
Feel free to reach out if you have any contract-related questions. I actively check my union email daily while working and every other day when off duty. My email is education@cupe4070.ca.
Bargaining Resources:
Bargaining is a hot topic lately! To prepare for upcoming negotiations, I've compiled a few free union courses:
"How Bargaining Works" (highly recommended): This course provides a foundational understanding of the bargaining process, empowering you to follow the committee's work.
"Preparing for Bargaining": As negotiations approach, it's crucial for all members to be informed and unified about our collective goals.
"At the Bargaining Table": Understand the process even when the committee can't provide updates directly. This can help alleviate anxiety.
Stay tuned for more engaging content from the Education Committee!
Sincerely,
Tony Penton
Education Committee Member
WS Mainline - CUPE 4070
Day Off Requests:
Managing your personal time off is essential for a healthy work-life balance. Please ensure you are following the appropriate procedures when requesting days off. WS DPM's have recently received emails from CCMs to request days off - note that this is not a standard practice and day off requests submitted in this manner are not guaranteed. Please use the procedures below when you need a day off:
Bidding Window: Until the 12 of each month, submit your day off requests in your bid through wings. This is the most effective way to secure your desired time off. Contact the SRC if you have questions or would like bidding advice for the best result. ws.src@cupe4070.ca / wr.src@cupe4070.ca
Schedule Disputes: If you believe there's an error with your schedule, or day off requests, be sure to follow the established schedule dispute process as outlined in WS CA Article 34-2.02 / WR CA Article 34-2.03. The dispute forms are available for only 72hrs after schedule release here.
Managing Your Schedule: Utilize Flica to self-manage your schedule. Attempt dropping or trading to get the day off you need.
Personal Days: Note that personal days may only be used for specific situations as outlined in the Canada Labour Code. Contact your DPM for personal day requests. If your request is last minute, contact Crew Scheduling and send an email to your DPM explaining the situation.
Voluntary Drop Form: This form is available on your CCD under WS Cabin Crew – Crew Services. If the Company has extra resources, they can remove your pairing or a portion of your reserve block. Note that this is not guaranteed, and the outcome is available by 1800MT the day prior to the activity.
Contact Your DPM: As a last resort, you may contact your DPM. They generally will only be able to assist in extenuating circumstances and only after all other options have been exhausted. Do not contact your DPM to request a day off until you have attempted to self-manage your schedule.
Recognition Day - Share your story:
If you would like to share a short story/pictures for an upcoming recognition day; please email the Communications Team.
The Communications Team will do their best to include as many submissions as possible, we apologize if we do not have enough room on the Newsletter to share all of them.
Upcoming Months:
Emancipation Month
National Recovery Month
Save the Dates:
All events can be found "Events" on CUPE4070 website
General Membership Meeting (GMM)
Nov 13th, 2024 - 1100PT/1200MT/1400ET
Sign up will be available closer to the date.
Open to Members in Good Standing and/or to those who have completed the application process.
Elections
Elections will be held in November. More information will be available closer to the date.
Galley Gossip:
Previous months submissions: Galley Gossip Wall
CUPE 4070 can answer Union related inquiries only. For Company related inquiries, please reach out to your Leader or submit a Company E-Report.
No new Galley Gossip questions were submitted, please submit here.
Cooperators Insurance Discount:
In solidarity,
Your Local 4070 Executives:
President, Alia Hussain
Interim Vice President, Bryan Hansraj
Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Heather Crippen
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Marcus Johnstone-McKinney
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Base VP, Brandy Whitby
WestJet Interim YWG Base VP, Bryan Hansraj
WestJet Interim YYZ Base VP, Chris Amaddeo